Tether apparatus

ABSTRACT

A tether apparatus is disclosed for coupling a sheet material to an object. The tether comprises a clip having a first jaw member and a second jaw member for grasping the sheet material. A strap extends between a first end and a second end. The first end of the strap is secured to the clip. The second end of the strap defines a closed loop. A continuous cord extends through the closed loop of the strap for encircling the object and enabling the clip to be inserted within the continuous cord for securing the continuous cord to the object. A keeper slidably engages the continuous cord for adjusting the length of the continuous cord by the position of the keeper on the continuous cord.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to tethers and more particularly to an improvedapparatus for coupling a sheet material to an object.

2. Background of the Invention

Sheet material has been utilized to provide many wide range of usesincluding but not limited to a cover to shield an object, a liquidabsorbent layer, or clothing. In many instances restricting the movementof a sheet material in relation to an object is beneficial or evenessential. Since sheet material is often light and has a large surfacearea, the sheet material may be susceptible to displacement by anairstream and/or by a moving body that makes contact with the sheetmaterial.

Restricting movement of a sheet material in relation to an object mayprove to be problematic. First, the sheet material may be relativelythin and flexible proving it difficult to secure a fastening device tothe sheet material. Second, the fastening device must be secured toanother item. The following U.S. patents and U.S. patent applicationsare examples of attempts of the prior art to solve this problem.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,782,057 to J. C. Bollinger discloses a device includingelongated members having jaws at corresponding ends and handles atopposite corresponding ends. A loop connects to one of the handles. Aring is carried by the loop and adapted to receive an elastic strip. Theloop is flexible whereby the ring the strip may partake of a twistingmovement relative to the members. The members have transverse grooves intheir inner faces forming mating seats and having corresponding groovesin the outer faces of the jaws. An interengaging rib and groove is inthe inner faces of the jaws adjacent their outer ends. A coil springsnugly fits in the mating seats. The arms project in the same directionfrom the ends of the coil spring and extend along the sides of the jawsand having their ends bent laterally to engage the grooves formed in theouter faces of the opposite jaws.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,877,006 to W. E. Merryman discloses a clamp comprising amain member formed of a single piece of material and forming an arm. Acircular jaw is remote from the arm. A helix is located between the jawand the arm. An auxiliary complementary member is formed of a singlepiece of material and forms an arm. A circular jaw is remote from thelast mentioned arm. A cup-shaped spiral forms a continuation of the jawof the auxiliary member and is adapted to pass through the spaceencircled by the jaw of the main member when the two jaws are inocclusion. A helix is located between the jaw and arm of the auxiliarymember. An axle extends through both the first and the second mentionedhelix. Means is provided whereby the two arms may be detachably lockedtogether to cause the jaws to normally contact together.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,707,906 to J. T. Posey discloses a tube holder forhospital tubing comprising an elongated strip with opposing upper andlower faces formed as a plurality of side-by-side, open-ended sleevelike receptacles of varying enclosed cross-sectional area. In oneembodiment, the strip is a spring metal piece with a reverse bendforming upper and lower legs with undulating surfaces formed in at leastone of the legs, but preferably both of the legs, so that oppositelyfacing undulations on the upper and lower legs cooperate to form thespaced apart receptacles. Each receptacle has an entrance opening formedby a portion of the upper face being spaced from the lower face by aminimum distance. The entrance opening to each receptacle has a smallerdimension than the maximum dimension of its corresponding receptacle.Each receptacle is movable, say by prying apart the upper and lower legsto increase the spacing at the entrance openings for allowing tubing toslip sideways into any one of the receptacles. A releasable fastener,such as a spring loaded clip, is secured to an end of the strip forholding the tube holder in a fixed position on a bed, sheets,bedclothes, instruments or the like. Hospital tubing of a standard sizecan be slipped into the larger sized receptacle for confining the tubingbut for allowing the tubing to move freely lengthwise through thereceptacle. The same tubing can be inserted in the smaller sizedreceptacle which clamps onto opposite sides of the tubing for securelyholding the tubing in place.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,858,285 to D. L. Martin discloses a towel clip holding atowel in place on a chair back of an outdoor chair such as a beach chairor lounge chair. The clip includes a generally C-shaped semirigid clipmember, a pair of side-by-side first clamping members of generallyspherical shape on one end of the C, and a second pair of generallyspherically shaped clamping members on the other end of the C. The firstpair of the clamping members are arranged side by side and the secondpair of clamping members are arranged front to rear so that therespective pair of clamping members extend along mutually orthogonalaxes. The C-shaped clip is made from a plastic material having arecovery force that holds the spherically-shaped clamping members underslight tension normally so that one pair of clamping members interlockswithin a narrow space between the other pair of clamping members andvice versa. The clip ends can be spread apart and slipped over the topof a chair back and around a towel draped over the chair back and heldfrictionally by the clip so that the towel stays in place on the chairback, yet the clip allows sufficient slippage of the towel between theclamping members to prevent pinching or other towel damage.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,093,958 to L. Levine discloses an apparatus to preventan automobile mat from moving forward, a strap with a metal or plasticloop at the end is attached to the rear underside of a floor mat. Infront of the automobile seat one side of an elongated “S”-shaped clip isforced over the exposed edge of the automobile's original carpeting. Theother side of the clip is then in an upward direction with the open endof the clip facing toward the rear of the automobile. The loop attachedto the floor mat is inserted into the upward facing portion of the “S”clip. The length of the strap attached to the loop is sized to allowhand space to reach under the floor mat during the attaching process.The “S” clip is made of a spring-type material, shaped to tightlysqueeze over and be tightly held by the thickness of the automobilecarpeting. The shape of the clip also prevents the unintentionalseparation of the loop from the clip. In alternate embodiments a strapextension assembly is used to vary the length of strap so that the “S”clip can be attached to other portions of the vehicle, allowing theinvention to be used in different vehicles. In one version, a buckleassembly is used to attach the strap extension to the floor mat strap.In yet another embodiment a strap hook is used in place of the “S” clipand is adapted to be inserted into the slots provided by the seat track.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,245,715 to J. A. Dinkins discloses a blanket member asis typically utilized as a covering for a beach and the like includes aplurality of clip fasteners arranged for securement about a periphery ofthe blanket, with each of the clip members including a tether linesecured at one end to an associated clip member and at an opposed end toa conical anchor plug. The anchor plug is arranged with concentric ringsspaced along the anchor plug to maintain securement of the anchorstructure relative to a beach environment. A modification of theinvention includes rack structure to accommodate further webs for dryingand for purposes of shade and the like.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,456 to O. Stephens discloses a clip for securing atowel to a chair. The inventive device includes a mounting assembly forsecuring to a lounge chair. An engaging assembly projects from themounting assembly for coupling to a beach towel to secure the towelrelative to the lounge chair.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,520 to S. K. Conway discloses a clip assembly forholding a towel, sheet or the like relative to an item such as a chair,table or bed so as to prevent undesirable movements thereof relative tosuch item due to wind, occupant movements, or tilting or upsetting ofthe item. The clip assembly in all forms has a clip having sections eachhaving a handle at one end and toothed gripping formations at the otherend, the clip sections being pivotally movable relative to each otherabout a pivot axis and being spring biased by a spring to continuallyurge the handles arcuately apart and the toothed gripping formationsarcuately toward each other. The clip assembly is arranged to be able tobe attached to a suitable portion of such item as well as to grip thetowel or sheet material. One such arrangement has the clip sections soarcuately shaped between the pivot axis and the toothed grippingformations as to provide an opening in which a part of the item such asa bar can be received therethrough without affecting the operation ofthe handles and the toothed gripping formations. Others have a strapattached to only one of the handles and adapted to be looped around andfastened to a part of the item. The toothed gripping formations may beformed on internally extending cantilever supports positioned betweenand laterally spaced from the main bodies of the clip sections so as toprovide a cantilever spring force together with the gripping forceprovided by the spring.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,247,211 to C. J. Bell discloses a medical tubingtethering device comprising a tether having a first proximal end and anopposed distal end. A first mechanism is supported adjacent the proximalend of the tether for securing the medical tubing tethering device to adesired object. The distal end, of the tether has a second attachmentmechanism for coupling a medical tube thereto to facilitate support ofthe medical tube once the medical tubing tethering device is supportedby the desired object. The tether can be substantially helical so as tobe capable of wrapping around the medical tube to tether the medicaltube to the patient to prevent unwanted movement of the medical tuberelative to the patient. The tether may also be a flexible strap with apressure sensitive adhesive or a hook and loop touch fastener. Themedical tubing tethering device can also be used in combination with astand alone anchor to facilitate use with a wider range of couplingsurfaces.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,490,768 to R. M. Goodall discloses a towel fastener fora lounge chair for holding beach towels, in particular, firmly in placeupon lounge chairs. The towel fastener for a lounge chair includes aclip support member being adapted to be mounted about a portion of alounge chair and having a main tubular portion and a handle portionextending outwardly from the main tubular portion; and also includes aclip member being pivotally attached to the clip support member andhaving an curved fastening portion which is pivotally disposed about themain tubular portion and also having a handle portion; and furtherincludes a biasing assembly being connected to the clip support memberand to the clip member for biasing the curved fastening portion of theclip member upon the tubular portion of the clip support member.

U.S. Pat. D394,382 to B. R. Knight discloses an ornamental design for anoutdoor rug fastening device.

U.S. Pat. D463,325 to A. Savoia discloses an ornamental design for abeach towel security strap.

U.S. Patent Application 2001/0022014 to K. Smith discloses a towel cliphaving a hollow elongated body with an opening running the length of thebody wherein the body is made of a flexible memory material, preferablyrubber or a plastic and most preferably polypropylene. The body ispreferably circular and the opening preferably covering about 75 degreesto about 105 degrees of the diameter to slip over a towel draped overthe bar of a chair.

Although the aforementioned prior art have contributed to thedevelopment of the art of restricting the movement of a sheet materialin relation to an object, none of these prior art patents have solvedthe needs of this art.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide animproved apparatus for coupling a sheet material to an object.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus forcoupling a tether to a sheet material.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus forcoupling a tether to an object.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatuswherein a tether may be adjusted for coupling to multiple objects.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatusthat is are resistant to corrosion.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatuswherein a tether may be adjusted for increasing or decreasing theoverall length of the tether.

The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of thepresent invention. These objects should be construed as being merelyillustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications ofthe invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained bymodifying the invention within the scope of the invention. Accordinglyother objects in a full understanding of the invention may be had byreferring to the summary of the invention, the detailed descriptiondescribing the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of theinvention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is defined by the appended claims with specificembodiments being shown in the attached drawings. For the purpose ofsummarizing the invention, the invention relates to an improvedapparatus for coupling a sheet material to an object. The apparatuscomprises a clip having a first jaw member and a second jaw member forgrasping the sheet material. A strap extends between a first end and asecond end. The first end of the strap is secured to the clip. Thesecond end of the strap defines a closed loop. A continuous cord extendsthrough the closed loop of the strap for encircling the object andenabling the clip to be inserted within the continuous cord for securingthe continuous cord to the object. A keeper slidably engages thecontinuous cord for adjusting the length of the continuous cord by theposition of the keeper on the continuous cord.

In a more specific embodiment of the invention, the clip is formed froma polymeric material that encases the strap for securing the clip to thestrap. The first jaw member is pivotably secured to the clip. An armengages the first jaw member for pivoting the first jaw member from anopen position to release the sheet material from between the first jawmember and the second jaw member and a closed position to retain thesheet material between the first jaw member and the second jaw member.

In one embodiment of the invention, the strap includes a nylon band or apolypropylene band with an advertisement portion. The cord includes anelastic cable. The keeper includes a cord lock having for applying acompressive force to the continuous cord. A depressible cylinder removesthe compressive force against the continuous cord.

In another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises a cliphaving a base supporting a first jaw member and a second jaw member forgrasping the sheet material. The base includes a base loop. The firstend of the strap defines a first closed loop and the second end of thestrap defines a second closed loop. The first closed loop extendsthrough the base loop of the base for pivotably securing to the strap tothe clip.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent andimportant features of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription that follows may be better understood so that the presentcontribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additionalfeatures of the invention will be described hereinafter which form thesubject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that the conception and the specificembodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifyingor designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of thepresent invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in theart that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit andscope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,reference should be made to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a tether apparatus of the presentinvention coupling a sheet material to an object;

FIG. 2 is a magnified view of a portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the tether apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a right side view of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a left side view of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating the tetherapparatus positioned adjacent to the object with a continuous cordextending through a closed loop of a strap;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 7 illustrating thecontinuous cord encircling the object and a clip inserted within theclosed loop;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 8 illustrating the strapinserted within the closed loop;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 9 illustrating a keeperslidably engaging the continuous cord;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 10 illustrating the sheetmaterial positioned adjacent to the clip;

FIG. 12 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 11 illustrating the clipgrasping the sheet material;

FIG. 13 is a front view of the tether apparatus coupling the sheetmaterial to a golf bag;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the tether apparatus coupling the sheetmaterial to a belt;

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the tether apparatus coupling the sheetmaterial to an anchor;

FIG. 16 is a front view of the tether apparatus coupling the sheetmaterial to a tree branch;

FIG. 17 is a front view of the tether apparatus coupling the sheetmaterial to a backpack;

FIG. 18 is a side view of the tether apparatus coupling the sheetmaterial to a cap;

FIG. 19 is a front view of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 a front view of a second embodiment of the tether apparatus ofthe present invention;

FIG. 21 is a rear view of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a right side view of FIG. 20; and

FIG. 23 is a left side view of FIG. 20.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout theseveral Figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DISCUSSION

FIGS. 1 and 2 are isometric views of a tether apparatus 10 for couplinga sheet material 12 to an object 14. The object as shown in FIGS. 1-2and 7-12 is a chair 20 that rests upon a floor 21. The chair 20 has aback 22 and a seat 24. The back 22 and seat 24 may either be rigidlyjointed by welding, gluing, bolting or other similar fasteners orpivotably jointed by a first and second hinge 26 and 28. The back 22 mayinclude a first back frame member 30, a second back frame member 32 anda back joining frame member 34. The seat 24 may include a first seatframe member 36, a second seat frame member 38 and a seat joining framemember 40. The seat 24 may be supported by a first leg 41 and a secondleg 42. The first leg 41 may either be rigidly jointed by welding,gluing, bolting or other similar fasteners or pivotably jointed by athird and fourth hinge 44 and 46. The second leg 42 may either berigidly jointed by welding, gluing, bolting or other similar fastenersor pivotably jointed by a fifth and sixth hinge 48 and 50.

The back 22 may include a plurality of horizontal back straps 52 thatextend between the first back frame member 30 and the second back framemember 32. The seat 24 may include a plurality of horizontal seat straps54 that extend between the first seat frame member 36 and the secondseat frame member 38. The back 22 and seat 24 may further include aplurality of vertical straps 56 that extend between the back joiningframe member 34 and the seat joining frame member 40. The plurality ofhorizontal back straps 44, plurality of horizontal seat straps 46 andplurality of vertical straps 48 support an individual on the chair 20.

FIGS. 3-6 are views of the tether apparatus 10 for coupling the sheetmaterial 12 to an object 14. The tether apparatus 10 includes a clip 60with a base 62 linking a jaw end 64 and a strap end 66. The base 62further includes a pivot pin 68 located between the jaw end 64 and thestrap end 66. The base 62, jaw end 64 and strap end 66 may beconstructed of single continuous metallic material, polymeric materialor other rigid construction material.

The jaw end 64 includes a first jaw member 70 and a second jaw member 72for grasping the sheet material 12. The first jaw member 70 pivots aboutthe pivot pin 68. An arm 74 pivots about the pin 68. The arm 74 engagesthe first jaw member 70 for pivoting the first jaw member 70 from anopen position to a closed position. To position the first jaw member 70into the open position, the arm 74 is pulled up from the base 62 forpivoting about the pivot pin 68 until the arm 74 is perpendicular to thefirst jaw member 70. As the arm 74 is pulled from the base 62, the arm74 forces the first jaw member 70 to pivot about the pivot pin 68 untilthe first jaw member 70 is spaced from the second jaw member 72. Toposition the first jaw member 70 into the closed position, the arm 74 ispushed down into the base 62 for pivoting about the pivot pin 68 untilthe arm 74 is parallel with the first jaw member 70. As the arm 74 ispushed towards the base 62, the arm 74 forces the first jaw member 70 topivot about the pivot pin 68 until the first jaw member 70 is adjacentto the second jaw member 72.

Both the first jaw member 70 and the arm 74 may be constructed ofmetallic material, polymeric material or other rigid constructionmaterial. The first jaw member 70 may include a plurality of first jawteeth 76 for assisting in grasping the sheet material 12. The second jawmember 72 may include a plurality of second jaw teeth 78 for assistingin grasping the sheet material 12. The second jaw member 72 and the base62 may be constructed of single continuous metallic material, polymericmaterial or other rigid construction material.

A strap 80 extends between a first end 82 and a second end 84. The strap80 may be a nylon band 86, a polypropylene band 88, a metallic band,polymeric band or other material. The first end 82 of the strap 80 issecured to the strap end 66 of the clip 60. The first end 82 may besecured to the strap end 66 by first inserting the first end 82 within achannel 89 located within the strap end 66 and second compressing and/orgluing the strap end 66 to the first end 82. The first end 82 may alsobe secure to the strap end 66 by molding the strap end 66 around thefirst end 82 to encase the strap 80 within the clip 60. Additionally,the first end 82 may be secured to the strap end 66 by the strap end 66having a hole for receiving a ring defined in the first end 82.

The strap 80 includes an advertisement portion 90 for displaying anadvertisement while the tether apparatus 10 couples the sheet material12 to an object 14. The advertisement portion 90 includes a word mark92, logo mark 94 or a composite mark 96. The advertisement portion 90may be created by embroidery methods, labeling methods, or electronicmethods. The advertisement portion 90 may also include reflective orholographic labels.

The second end 84 may define a closed loop 100. The closed loop 100 maybe secured by stitching, gluing or clamping the second end 84 back on tothe strap 80. A cord 106 extends through the closed loop 100 of thestrap 80. The cord 106 includes a first cord end 108 and a second cordend 110. A cord clamp 112 secures the first cord end 108 and the secondcord end 110 to form a continuous cord 114. The cord clamp 112 may beconstructed of metallic band, polymeric band, textile band or otherconstruction material that applies a compressive force to the first cordend 108 and the second cord end 110. Alternatively, the cord 106 mayinclude a continuous cord 114 without a first cord end 108 or a secondcord end 110. The cord 106 may include an elastic cable for allowing thecord 106 to increase in length upon a tensile force being applied to thecord 106.

A keeper 120 slidably engages the continuous cord 114. The keeper 120includes a horizontal channel 122 that traverses through the keeper 120.The keeper 120 also includes a vertical channel 124 that traversesthrough a portion of the keeper 120. A cord lock 126 having adepressible cylinder 127 slidably engages the vertical channel 124. Thedepressible cylinder 127 includes a horizontal bore 128 that traversesthrough the depressible cylinder 127. The dimensions of the horizontalbore 128 are approximately equivalent to the dimensions of thehorizontal channel 122.

To utilize the keeper 120, a channel spring 130 is positioned within thevertical channel 124. The depressible cylinder 127 is then positionedwithin the vertical channel 124 above the channel spring 130. Acompressive force is applied to the cord lock 126 to displace thedepressible cylinder 127 within the vertical channel 124 and to compressthe channel spring 130 until the horizontal bore 128 is aligned with thehorizontal channel 122. With the horizontal bore 128 aligned with thehorizontal channel 122, the continuous cord 114 is inserted through boththe horizontal bore 128 and the horizontal channel 122. During thealignment of the horizontal bore 128 with the horizontal channel 122,the keeper 120 may slidably engage the continuous cord 114. Uponreleasing the compressive force from the cord lock 126, the channelspring 130 vertically displaces the depressible cylinder 127 relative tothe keeper 120 to misalign the horizontal bore 128 with the horizontalchannel 122. The displacement of the horizontal bore 128 relative to thehorizontal channel 122 clamps the continuous cord 114 together to resistthe keeper 120 from further sliding along the continuous cord 114. Thekeeper 120 may be constructed from of metallic material, polymericmaterial or other rigid construction material.

FIGS. 7-10 are isometric views of the tether apparatus 10 being coupledto the chair 20. The continuous cord 114 is positioned between theplurality of vertical straps 56 and about the back joining frame member34 for encircling the back joining frame member 34. The clip 60 isinserted through the continuous cord 114 for securing the tetherapparatus 10 to the chair 20. The clip 60 is pulled through thecontinuous cord 114 to draw the strap 80 and a portion of the continuouscord 114 through the continuous cord 114 for encircling and securing thetether apparatus 10 to the chair 20.

The height of the clip 60 relative to the back joining frame member 34may be altered by slidably positioning the keeper 120 at various pointsalong the continuous cord 114. By positioning the keeper 120 adjacent tothe first cord end 108 and the second cord end 110 the length of thecontinuous cord 114 that traverses through the continuous cord 114 ismaximized. With the length of the continuous cord 114 that traversesthrough the continuous cord 114 maximized, the clip 60 is positioned ata maximum distance from the back joining frame member 34.

Alternatively, positioning the keeper 120 at the furthest distance fromthe first cord end 108 and the second cord end 110 the length of thecontinuous cord 114 that traverses through the continuous cord 114 isminimized. With the length of the continuous cord 114 that traversesthrough the continuous cord 114 minimized, the clip 60 is positioned ata minimum distance from the back joining frame member 34.

By positioning the keeper 120 between the first cord end 108 and thesecond cord end 110 and the furthest distance from the first cord end108 and the second cord end 110, the length of the continuous cord 114that traverses through the continuous cord 114 may be varied. By varyingthe length of the continuous cord 114 that traverses through thecontinuous cord 114, the clip 60 is positioned at various distances fromthe back joining frame member 34.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are isometric views of the tether apparatus 10 couplingthe sheet material 12 to the chair 20. The sheet material 12 has a sheetedge 16. The sheet edge 16 of the sheet material 12 is positionedbetween the first jaw member 70 and the second jaw member 72 forgrasping the sheet material 12. The first jaw member 70 and arm 74 pivotabout the pivot pin 68. The arm 74 engages the first jaw member 70 forpivoting the first jaw member 70 from an open position to a closedposition.

To position the first jaw member 70 into the closed position forgrasping the sheet material 12, the arm 74 is pushed down into the base62 for pivoting about the pivot pin 68 until the arm 74 is parallel withthe first jaw member 70. As the arm 74 is pushed towards the base 62,the arm 74 forces the first jaw member 70 to pivot about the pivot pin68 until the first jaw member 70 is adjacent to the second jaw member72. As the arm 74 pivots the first jaw member 70 adjacent to the secondjaw member 72, the plurality of first jaw teeth 76 and second jaw teeth78 grasp the sheet material 12 and the first jaw member 70 and secondjaw member 72 apply a compressive force to the sheet material 12 forretaining the sheet material 12 within the clip 60.

To position the first jaw member 70 into the open position for receivingor releasing the sheet material 12, the arm 74 is pulled up from thebase 62 for pivoting about the pivot pin 68 until the arm 74 isperpendicular to the first jaw member 70. As the arm 74 is pulled fromthe base 62, the arm 74 forces the first jaw member 70 to pivot aboutthe pivot pin 68 until the first jaw member 70 is spaced from the secondjaw member 72. As the arm 74 pivots the first jaw member 70 is spacedfrom the second jaw member 72, the plurality of first jaw teeth 76 andsecond jaw teeth 78 withdraw from the sheet material 12 and the firstjaw member 70 and second jaw member 72 apply a compressive force to thesheet material 12 for retaining the sheet material 12 within the clip60.

The tether apparatus 10 couples the sheet material 12 to the chair 20for preventing movement of the sheet material 12 relative to the chair20. The tether apparatus 10 may be secured to the back joining framemember 34 for preventing the sheet material 12 from sliding down theback 22 and seat 24. The tether apparatus 10 could also be secured tothe first seat frame member 36 and/or the second seat frame member 38for preventing the sheet material 12 from sliding off the chair 20. Thetether apparatus 10 could additionally be secured to the seat joiningframe member 40 for preventing the sheet material 12 from sliding up theback 22 and seat 24.

The chair 20 supports an individual 150 upon the back 22 and seat 24.The chair 20 could also include a lawn chair, a beach chair or otherchair. The individual 150 may position the sheet material 12 on thechair 20 to avoid contact between the chair and the individual. Movementof the individual on the chair 20 may cause movement of the sheetmaterial 12 relative to the chair 20. The tether apparatus 10 may besecured to the back joining frame member 34 for preventing the sheetmaterial 12 from sliding down the back 22 and seat 24 upon movement ofthe individual. The tether apparatus 10 could also be secured to thefirst seat frame member 36 and/or the second seat frame member 38 forpreventing the sheet material 12 from sliding off the chair 20 uponmovement of the individual. The tether apparatus 10 could additionallybe secured to the seat joining frame member 40 for preventing the sheetmaterial 12 from sliding up the back 22 and seat 24 upon movement of theindividual.

A force applied to the sheet material 12 that does displace the sheetmaterial 12 relative to the chair 20 will cause the continuous cord 110to expand in length. The increase in length of the continuous cord 110will prevent tearing and reduce stress on the sheet material 12 betweenthe first jaw member 70 and second jaw member 72 of the clip 60 and theforce.

While the tether apparatus 10 coupling the sheet material 12 to thechair 20, the distance from the sheet material 12 to the frame members30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40 may be altered by positioning the keeper 120between the first cord end 108 and the second cord end 110 and thefurthest distance from the first cord end 108 and the second cord end110 for varying the length of the continuous cord 114 that traversesthrough the continuous cord 114. The continuous cord 110 permits thetether apparatus 10 to be secured to frame members 30, 32, 34, 36, 38and 40 with various dimensions and cross-sections.

The strap 80 includes an advertisement portion 90 for displaying anadvertisement while the tether apparatus 10 couples the sheet material12 to the chair 20. The advertisement portion 90 may include a word mark92, logo mark 94 or a composite mark 96. The advertisement portion 90may be created by embroidery methods, labeling methods, or electronicmethods. The advertisement portion 90 may also include reflective orholographic labels.

FIG. 13 illustrates a golf bag 140 for transporting a plurality of golfclubs 142. The golf bag 140 includes a carry strap 144 to facilitatetransporting the golf bag 140 by the individual 150. The golf bag 140may further include a golf coupler 146 coupling a golf eyelet 148 to thegolf bag 140.

The individual 150 may require a sheet material to remove moisture, dirtor other debris from the individual 150, golf clubs 142 or other item.The tether apparatus 10 couples the sheet material 12 to the golf bag140 for the individual 150 to have convenient access to the sheetmaterial 12 while golfing.

The continuous cord 114 is positioned about the golf eyelet 148 forencircling the golf eyelet 148. The clip 60 is inserted through thecontinuous cord 114 for securing the tether apparatus 10 to the golf bag140. The clip 60 is pulled through the continuous cord 114 to draw thestrap 80 and a portion of the continuous cord 114 through the continuouscord 114 for encircling and securing the tether apparatus 10 to the golfbag 140.

The height of the clip 60 relative to the golf eyelet 148 may be alteredby slidably positioning the keeper 120 at various points along thecontinuous cord 114. By positioning the keeper 120 adjacent to the firstcord end 108 and the second cord end 110 the length of the continuouscord 114 that traverses through the continuous cord 114 is maximized.With the length of the continuous cord 114 that traverses through thecontinuous cord 114 maximized, the clip 60 is positioned at a maximumdistance from the golf eyelet 148.

Alternatively, positioning the keeper 120 at the furthest distance fromthe first cord end 108 and the second cord end 110 the length of thecontinuous cord 114 that traverses through the continuous cord 114 isminimized. With the length of the continuous cord 114 that traversesthrough the continuous cord 114 minimized, the clip 60 is positioned ata minimum distance from the golf eyelet 148.

By positioning the keeper 120 between the first cord end 108 and thesecond cord end 110 and the furthest distance from the first cord end108 and the second cord end 110, the length of the continuous cord 114that traverses through the continuous cord 114 may be varied. By varyingthe length of the continuous cord 114 that traverses through thecontinuous cord 114, the clip 60 is positioned at various distances fromthe golf eyelet 148.

The tether apparatus 10 couples the sheet material 12 to the golf bag140 for preventing the separation of the sheet material 12 from the golfbag 140. The tether apparatus 10 may be secured to any other item thatis securely fastened to the golf bag 140.

A force applied to the sheet material 12 that displaces the sheetmaterial 12 relative to the golf bag 140 will cause the continuous cord110 to expand in length. The increase in length of the continuous cord110 will prevent tearing and reduce stress on the sheet material 12between the first jaw member 70 and second jaw member 72 of the clip 60and the force.

The strap 80 includes an advertisement portion 90 for displaying anadvertisement while the tether apparatus 10 couples the sheet material12 to the golf bag 140. The advertisement portion 90 may include a wordmark 92, logo mark 94 or a composite mark 96. The advertisement portion90 may be created by embroidery methods, labeling methods, or electronicmethods. The advertisement portion 90 may also include reflective orholographic labels.

FIG. 14 illustrates an individual 150 wearing a shirt 152 and pants 154.The pants 154 may include a plurality of pant couplers 156 for receivinga belt 158. The belt 158 prevents any vertical displacement of the pants154 relative to the individual 150.

The individual 150 may require a sheet material to remove moisture, dirtor other debris from the individual 150 or other item. The tetherapparatus 10 couples the sheet material 12 to the belt 158 and/or thepant couplers 156 for the individual 150 to have convenient access tothe sheet material 12.

The continuous cord 114 is positioned about the belt 158 and/or the pantcouplers 156 for encircling the belt 158 and/or the pant couplers 156.The clip 60 is inserted through the continuous cord 114 for securing thetether apparatus 10 to the pants 154. The clip 60 is pulled through thecontinuous cord 114 to draw the strap 80 and a portion of the continuouscord 114 through the continuous cord 114 for encircling and securing thetether apparatus 10 to the pants 154.

The height of the clip 60 relative to the belt 158 and/or the pantcouplers 156 may be altered by slidably positioning the keeper 120 atvarious points along the continuous cord 114. By positioning the keeper120 adjacent to the first cord end 108 and the second cord end 110 thelength of the continuous cord 114 that traverses through the continuouscord 114 is maximized. With the length of the continuous cord 114 thattraverses through the continuous cord 114 maximized, the clip 60 ispositioned at a maximum distance from the belt 158 and/or the pantcouplers 156.

Alternatively, positioning the keeper 120 at the furthest distance fromthe first cord end 108 and the second cord end 110 the length of thecontinuous cord 114 that traverses through the continuous cord 114 isminimized. With the length of the continuous cord 114 that traversesthrough the continuous cord 114 minimized, the clip 60 is positioned ata minimum distance from the belt 158 and/or the pant couplers 156.

By positioning the keeper 120 between the first cord end 108 and thesecond cord end 110 and the furthest distance from the first cord end108 and the second cord end 110, the length of the continuous cord 114that traverses through the continuous cord 114 may be varied. By varyingthe length of the continuous cord 114 that traverses through thecontinuous cord 114, the clip 60 is positioned at various distances fromthe belt 158 and/or the pant couplers 156.

The tether apparatus 10 couples the sheet material 12 to the pants 154for preventing the separation of the sheet material 12 from theindividual 150. The tether apparatus 10 may be secured to any other itemthat is securely fastened to the individual 150.

A force applied to the sheet material 12 that displaces the sheetmaterial 12 relative to the individual 150 will cause the continuouscord 110 to expand in length. The increase in length of the continuouscord 110 will prevent tearing and reduce stress on the sheet material 12between the first jaw member 70 and second jaw member 72 of the clip 60and the force.

The strap 80 includes an advertisement portion 90 for displaying anadvertisement while the tether apparatus 10 couples the sheet material12 to the individual 150. The advertisement portion 90 may include aword mark 92, logo mark 94 or a composite mark 96. The advertisementportion 90 may be created by embroidery methods, labeling methods, orelectronic methods. The advertisement portion 90 may also includereflective or holographic labels.

FIG. 15 illustrates a shelter 160 for providing cover. The shelter 160includes a first support 162 and a second support 164 for supporting thesheet material 12. A first anchor 166 and a second anchor 168 may besecured to the ground and positioned adjacent to the shelter 160. Thetether apparatus 10 couples the sheet material 12 to the first anchor166 and the second anchor 168 for retaining the sheet material 12adjacent to the first support 162 and the second support 164.

The continuous cord 114 is positioned about the first anchor 166 and thesecond anchor 168 for encircling the first anchor 166 and the secondanchor 168. The clip 60 is inserted through the continuous cord 114 forsecuring the tether apparatus 10 to the first anchor 166 and the secondanchor 168. The clip 60 is pulled through the continuous cord 114 todraw the strap 80 and a portion of the continuous cord 114 through thecontinuous cord 114 for encircling and securing the tether apparatus 10to the first anchor 166 and the second anchor 168.

The distance of the clip 60 relative to the first anchor 166 and thesecond anchor 168 may be altered by slidably positioning the keeper 120at various points along the continuous cord 114. By positioning thekeeper 120 adjacent to the first cord end 108 and the second cord end110 the length of the continuous cord 114 that traverses through thecontinuous cord 114 is maximized. With the length of the continuous cord114 that traverses through the continuous cord 114 maximized, the clip60 is positioned at a maximum distance from the first anchor 166 and thesecond anchor 168.

Alternatively, positioning the keeper 120 at the furthest distance fromthe first cord end 108 and the second cord end 110 the length of thecontinuous cord 114 that traverses through the continuous cord 114 isminimized. With the length of the continuous cord 114 that traversesthrough the continuous cord 114 minimized, the clip 60 is positioned ata minimum distance from the first anchor 166 and the second anchor 168.

By positioning the keeper 120 between the first cord end 108 and thesecond cord end 110 and the furthest distance from the first cord end108 and the second cord end 110, the length of the continuous cord 114that traverses through the continuous cord 114 may be varied. By varyingthe length of the continuous cord 114 that traverses through thecontinuous cord 114, the clip 60 is positioned at various distances fromthe first anchor 166 and the second anchor 168.

The tether apparatus 10 couples the sheet material 12 to the firstanchor 166 and the second anchor 168 for preventing the separation ofthe sheet material 12 from the first support 162 and the second support164. The tether apparatus 10 may be secured to any other item that issecurely fastened to the ground or the first support 162 and the secondsupport 164.

A force applied to the sheet material 12 that displaces the sheetmaterial 12 relative to the first support 162 and the second support 164will cause the continuous cord 110 to expand in length. The increase inlength of the continuous cord 110 will prevent tearing and reduce stresson the sheet material 12 between the first jaw member 70 and second jawmember 72 of the clip 60 and the force.

The strap 80 includes an advertisement portion 90 for displaying anadvertisement while the tether apparatus 10 couples the sheet material12 to the first anchor 166 and the second anchor 168. The advertisementportion 90 may include a word mark 92, logo mark 94 or a composite mark96. The advertisement portion 90 may be created by embroidery methods,labeling methods, or electronic methods. The advertisement portion 90may also include reflective or holographic labels.

FIG. 16 illustrates a tree 170 secured to the ground. The tree 170 has abranch 172. The individual 150 may require a sheet material to removemoisture, dirt or other debris from the individual 150 or other itemfrom a location next to the tree 170. The individual 150 may alsorequire hanging a sheet material that contains moisture to promotedrying from a location next to the tree 170.

The tether apparatus 10 couples the sheet material 12 to the branch 172for the individual 150 to have convenient access to the sheet material12 while located next to the tree 170. The continuous cord 114 ispositioned about the branch 172 for encircling the branch 172. The clip60 is inserted through the continuous cord 114 for securing the tetherapparatus 10 to the tree 170. The clip 60 is pulled through thecontinuous cord 114 to draw the strap 80 and a portion of the continuouscord 114 through the continuous cord 114 for encircling and securing thetether apparatus 10 to the tree 170.

The height of the clip 60 relative to the branch 172 may be altered byslidably positioning the keeper 120 at various points along thecontinuous cord 114. By positioning the keeper 120 adjacent to the firstcord end 108 and the second cord end 110 the length of the continuouscord 114 that traverses through the continuous cord 114 is maximized.With the length of the continuous cord 114 that traverses through thecontinuous cord 114 maximized, the clip 60 is positioned at a maximumdistance from the branch 172.

Alternatively, positioning the keeper 120 at the furthest distance fromthe first cord end 108 and the second cord end 110 the length of thecontinuous cord 114 that traverses through the continuous cord 114 isminimized. With the length of the continuous cord 114 that traversesthrough the continuous cord 114 minimized, the clip 60 is positioned ata minimum distance from the branch 172.

By positioning the keeper 120 between the first cord end 108 and thesecond cord end 110 and the furthest distance from the first cord end108 and the second cord end 110, the length of the continuous cord 114that traverses through the continuous cord 114 may be varied. By varyingthe length of the continuous cord 114 that traverses through thecontinuous cord 114, the clip 60 is positioned at various distances fromthe branch 172.

The tether apparatus 10 couples the sheet material 12 to the tree 170for preventing the separation of the sheet material 12 from the tree170. The tether apparatus 10 may be secured to any other item that issecurely fastened to the tree 170.

A force applied to the sheet material 12 that displaces the sheetmaterial 12 relative to the tree 170 will cause the continuous cord 110to expand in length. The increase in length of the continuous cord 110will prevent tearing and reduce stress on the sheet material 12 betweenthe first jaw member 70 and second jaw member 72 of the clip 60 and theforce.

The strap 80 includes an advertisement portion 90 for displaying anadvertisement while the tether apparatus 10 couples the sheet material12 to the tree 170. The advertisement portion 90 may include a word mark92, logo mark 94 or a composite mark 96. The advertisement portion 90may be created by embroidery methods, labeling methods, or electronicmethods. The advertisement portion 90 may also include reflective orholographic labels.

FIG. 17 illustrates a backpack 180 for transporting items. The backpack180 includes a first arm strap 182 and a second arm strap 184 tofacilitate transporting the backpack 180 on the back of the individual150. The backpack 180 may further include a pack coupler 186 coupling apack eyelet 188 to the backpack 180.

The individual 150 may require a sheet material to remove moisture, dirtor other debris from the individual 150 or other item. The tetherapparatus 10 couples the sheet material 12 to the backpack 180 for theindividual 150 to have convenient access to the sheet material 12 whilecarrying the backpack 180.

The continuous cord 114 is positioned about the pack eyelet 188 forencircling the pack eyelet 188. The clip 60 is inserted through thecontinuous cord 114 for securing the tether apparatus 10 to the backpack180. The clip 60 is pulled through the continuous cord 114 to draw thestrap 80 and a portion of the continuous cord 114 through the continuouscord 114 for encircling and securing the tether apparatus 10 to thebackpack 180.

The height of the clip 60 relative to the pack eyelet 188 may be alteredby slidably positioning the keeper 120 at various points along thecontinuous cord 114. By positioning the keeper 120 adjacent to the firstcord end 108 and the second cord end 110 the length of the continuouscord 114 that traverses through the continuous cord 114 is maximized.With the length of the continuous cord 114 that traverses through thecontinuous cord 114 maximized, the clip 60 is positioned at a maximumdistance from the pack eyelet 188.

Alternatively, positioning the keeper 120 at the furthest distance fromthe first cord end 108 and the second cord end 110 the length of thecontinuous cord 114 that traverses through the continuous cord 114 isminimized. With the length of the continuous cord 114 that traversesthrough the continuous cord 114 minimized, the clip 60 is positioned ata minimum distance from the pack eyelet 188.

By positioning the keeper 120 between the first cord end 108 and thesecond cord end 110 and the furthest distance from the first cord end108 and the second cord end 110, the length of the continuous cord 114that traverses through the continuous cord 114 may be varied. By varyingthe length of the continuous cord 114 that traverses through thecontinuous cord 114, the clip 60 is positioned at various distances fromthe pack eyelet 188.

The tether apparatus 10 couples the sheet material 12 to the backpack180 for preventing the separation of the sheet material 12 from thebackpack 180. The tether apparatus 10 may be secured to any other itemthat is securely fastened to the backpack 180.

A force applied to the sheet material 12 that displaces the sheetmaterial 12 relative to the backpack 180 will cause the continuous cord110 to expand in length. The increase in length of the continuous cord110 will prevent tearing and reduce stress on the sheet material 12between the first jaw member 70 and second jaw member 72 of the clip 60and the force.

The strap 80 includes an advertisement portion 90 for displaying anadvertisement while the tether apparatus 10 couples the sheet material12 to the backpack 180. The advertisement portion 90 may include a wordmark 92, logo mark 94 or a composite mark 96. The advertisement portion90 may be created by embroidery methods, labeling methods, or electronicmethods. The advertisement portion 90 may also include reflective orholographic labels.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a hat 190 for covering a head of theindividual 150. The hat 190 may include a head portion 192 and a brimportion 194. The hat 190 may further include a hat adjuster 196 forvarying the diameter of the head portion 192.

The hat 190 may be easily removed from the head of the individual 150 byeither wind and/or from hat striking an object. In some situations theindividual 150 may not be able to retrieve the hat 190 once the hat 190has become dislodged from the head. The tether apparatus 10 couples thesheet material 12 to the hat 190 for preventing the separation of thesheet material 12 from the golf bag 140. The sheet material 12 mayinclude the shirt 152 of the individual 150.

The continuous cord 114 is positioned about the hat adjuster 196 forencircling the hat adjuster 196. The clip 60 is inserted through thecontinuous cord 114 for securing the tether apparatus 10 to the hat 190.The clip 60 is pulled through the continuous cord 114 to draw the strap80 and a portion of the continuous cord 114 through the continuous cord114 for encircling and securing the tether apparatus 10 to the hat 190.

The height of the clip 60 relative to the hat adjuster 196 may bealtered by slidably positioning the keeper 120 at various points alongthe continuous cord 114. By positioning the keeper 120 adjacent to thefirst cord end 108 and the second cord end 110 the length of thecontinuous cord 114 that traverses through the continuous cord 114 ismaximized. With the length of the continuous cord 114 that traversesthrough the continuous cord 114 maximized, the clip 60 is positioned ata maximum distance from the hat adjuster 196.

Alternatively, positioning the keeper 120 at the furthest distance fromthe first cord end 108 and the second cord end 110 the length of thecontinuous cord 114 that traverses through the continuous cord 114 isminimized. With the length of the continuous cord 114 that traversesthrough the continuous cord 114 minimized, the clip 60 is positioned ata minimum distance from the hat adjuster 196.

By positioning the keeper 120 between the first cord end 108 and thesecond cord end 110 and the furthest distance from the first cord end108 and the second cord end 110, the length of the continuous cord 114that traverses through the continuous cord 114 may be varied. By varyingthe length of the continuous cord 114 that traverses through thecontinuous cord 114, the clip 60 is positioned at various distances fromthe hat adjuster 196.

The tether apparatus 10 couples the shirt 152 of the individual 150 tothe hat 190 for preventing the separation of the shirt 152 from the hat190. The tether apparatus 10 may be secured to any other item that issecurely fastened to the hat 190.

A force applied to the sheet material 12 that displaces the sheetmaterial 12 relative to the hat 190 will cause the continuous cord 110to expand in length. The increase in length of the continuous cord 110will prevent tearing and reduce stress on the sheet material 12 betweenthe first jaw member 70 and second jaw member 72 of the clip 60 and theforce.

The strap 80 includes an advertisement portion 90 for displaying anadvertisement while the tether apparatus 10 couples the sheet material12 to the hat 190. The advertisement portion 90 may include a word mark92, logo mark 94 or a composite mark 96. The advertisement portion 90may be created by embroidery methods, labeling methods, or electronicmethods. The advertisement portion 90 may also include reflective orholographic labels.

FIGS. 20-23 are views of a second embodiment of the tether apparatus 10of the present invention. The clip 60 comprises a suspender clip 200.The suspender clip 200 includes a base 202 linking a jaw end 204 and astrap end 206. The base 202 further includes a first pivot aperture 210and a second pivot aperture 212 located between the jaw end 204 and thestrap end 206. The base 202, jaw end 204 and strap end 206 may beconstructed of single continuous metallic material, polymeric materialor other rigid construction material.

The jaw end 204 includes a first jaw member 214 and a second jaw member216 for grasping the sheet material 12. The first jaw member 214pivotably engages the base 262. A jaw member closure arm 220 pivotablyengages the first pivot aperture 210 and the second pivot aperture 212of the base 202. The jaw member closure arm 220 includes an operator arm222 and a jaw engaging arm 224. Preferably, the operator arm 222 and thejaw engaging arm 224 define a ninety (90) degree bend 226. Upon rotationof the operator arm 222 towards the base 202, the jaw engaging arm 224is pressed against the first jaw member 214 and forces the first jawmember 214 into the second jaw member 216. A retainer spring plate 228is positioned between the first jaw member 214 and the base 262 fordistancing the first jaw member 214 from the second jaw member 216 whenthe jaw member closure 220 is not engaged.

Both the first jaw member 214 and the arm 216 may be constructed ofmetallic material, polymeric material or other rigid constructionmaterial. The first jaw member 214 may include a plurality of first jawteeth 230 for assisting in grasping the sheet material 12. The secondjaw member 216 may include a plurality of second jaw teeth 232 forassisting in grasping the sheet material 12. The plurality of first jawteeth 230 and the plurality of second jaw teeth 232 may be off set suchthat the plurality of first jaw teeth 230 do not make contact with theplurality of second jaw teeth 232. Both the second jaw member 216 andthe base 262 may be constructed of single continuous metallic material,polymeric material or other rigid construction material.

The strap end 206 of the base 202 includes a base loop 234. The baseloop 234 may be constructed of metallic material, polymeric material orother rigid construction material. The strap 80 extends between a firstend 82 and a second end 84. The strap 80 may be a nylon band 86, apolypropylene band 88, a metallic band, polymeric band or othermaterial. The first end 82 of the strap 80 includes a first closed loop240 and the second end 84 of the strap 80 includes a second closed loop242. The first closed loop 240 extends through the base loop 234 forpivotably securing the strap 80 to the suspender clip 200. The firstclosed loop 240 may be secured by stitching, gluing or clamping thefirst end 82 back on to the strap 80.

The second end 84 may define a second closed loop 242. The second closedloop 242 may be secured by stitching, gluing or clamping the second end84 back on to the strap 80. A cord 106 extends through the second closedloop 242 of the strap 80. The cord 106 includes a first cord end 108 anda second cord end 110. A cord coupling 244 secures the first cord end108 and the second cord end 110 to form a continuous cord 114. The cordcoupling 244 may be constructed encasing the first and second cord end108 and 110 within a molded encasement 246.

The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims aswell as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention hasbeen described in its preferred form with a certain degree ofparticularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of thepreferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerouschanges in the details of construction and the combination andarrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

1. A tether apparatus for coupling a sheet material to an object, thetether comprising; a clip having a first jaw member and a second jawmember for grasping the sheet material; a strap extending between afirst end and a second end; said first end of said strap being securedto said clip; said second end of said strap defining a closed loop; acontinuous cord extending through said closed loop of said strap forencircling the object and enabling said clip to be inserted within saidcontinuous cord for securing said continuous cord to the object; and akeeper slidably engaging said continuous cord for adjusting the lengthof said continuous cord by the position of said keeper on saidcontinuous cord.
 2. A tether apparatus for coupling a sheet material toan object as set forth in claim 1, wherein said clip formed from apolymeric material.
 3. A tether apparatus for coupling a sheet materialto an object as set forth in claim 1, wherein said clip formed from apolymeric material; and said polymeric material encasing said strap forsecuring said clip to said strap.
 4. A tether apparatus for coupling asheet material to an object as set forth in claim 1, wherein said firstjaw member pivotably secured to said clip; and an arm engaging saidfirst jaw member for pivoting said first jaw member from an openposition to release the sheet material from between said first jawmember and said second jaw member and a closed position to retain thesheet material between said first jaw member and said second jaw member.5. A tether apparatus for coupling a sheet material to an object as setforth in claim 1, wherein said strap includes a nylon band.
 6. A tetherapparatus for coupling a sheet material to an object as set forth inclaim 1, wherein said strap includes a polypropylene band.
 7. A tetherapparatus for coupling a sheet material to an object as set forth inclaim 1, wherein said strap includes a nylon band; and said nylon bandincludes an advertisement portion.
 8. A tether apparatus for coupling asheet material to an object as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cordincludes an elastic cable.
 9. A tether apparatus for coupling a sheetmaterial to an object as set forth in claim 1, wherein said keeperincludes a cord lock for applying a compressive force to said continuouscord.
 10. A tether apparatus for coupling a sheet material to an objectas set forth in claim 1, wherein said keeper includes a cord lock forapplying a compressive force to said continuous cord; and said keeperformed from a polymeric material.
 11. A tether apparatus for coupling asheet material to an object as set forth in claim 1, wherein said keeperincludes a cord lock for applying a compressive force against saidcontinuous cord; and said cord lock includes a depressible cylinder forremoving the compressive force against said continuous cord.
 12. Atether apparatus for coupling a textile to an object, the tethercomprising; a clip having a first jaw member and a second jaw member forgrasping the sheet material; said first jaw member pivotably secured tosaid clip; an arm engaging said first jaw member for pivoting said firstjaw member from an open position to release the sheet material frombetween said first jaw member and said second jaw member and a closedposition to retain the sheet material between said first jaw member andsaid second jaw member a strap extending between a first end and asecond end; said first end of said strap being secured to said clip;said second end of said strap defining a closed loop; a continuous cordextending through said closed loop of said strap for encircling theobject and enabling said clip to be inserted within said continuous cordfor securing said continuous cord to the object; a keeper slidablyengaging said continuous cord for adjusting the length of saidcontinuous cord by the position of said keeper on said continuous cord;and said keeper includes a cord lock for applying a compressive force tosaid continuous cord.
 13. A tether apparatus for coupling a textile toan object as set forth in claim 12, wherein said clip formed from apolymeric material.
 14. A tether apparatus for coupling a textile to anobject as set forth in claim 12, wherein said clip formed from apolymeric material; and said polymeric material encasing said strap forsecuring said clip to said strap.
 15. A tether apparatus for coupling atextile to an object as set forth in claim 12, wherein said strapincludes a nylon band.
 16. A tether apparatus for coupling a textile toan object as set forth in claim 12, wherein said strap includes apolypropylene band.
 17. A tether apparatus for coupling a textile to anobject as set forth in claim 12, wherein said strap includes a nylonband; and said nylon band includes an advertisement portion.
 18. Atether apparatus for coupling a textile to an object as set forth inclaim 12, wherein said cord includes an elastic cable.
 19. A tetherapparatus for coupling a textile to an object as set forth in claim 12,wherein said keeper formed from a polymeric material.
 20. A tetherapparatus for coupling a textile to an object as set forth in claim 12,wherein said cord lock includes a depressible cylinder for removing thecompressive force against said continuous cord.
 21. A tether apparatusfor coupling a textile to an object, the tether comprising; a cliphaving a base supporting a first jaw member and a second jaw member forgrasping the sheet material; said first jaw member pivotably securing tosaid base; said base having a base loop; an arm engaging said first jawmember for pivoting said first jaw member from an open position torelease the sheet material from between said first jaw member and saidsecond jaw member and a closed position to retain the sheet materialbetween said first jaw member and said second jaw member a strapextending between a first end and a second end; said first end of saidstrap defining a first closed loop; said second end of said strapdefining a second closed loop; said first closed loop extending throughsaid base loop of said base for pivotably securing to said strap to saidclip; a continuous cord extending through said second closed loop ofsaid strap for encircling the object and enabling said clip to beinserted within said continuous cord for securing said continuous cordto the object; a keeper slidably engaging said continuous cord foradjusting the length of said continuous cord by the position of saidkeeper on said continuous cord; said keeper includes a cord lock forapplying a compressive force to said continuous cord; and said cord lockincludes a depressible cylinder for removing the compressive forceagainst said continuous cord.